Abstract: A method for assembling a seating system by providing a base member and pad filled with fluid. The pad has a front, rear, and sides with the sides flaring outwardly of each other and of a center axis. The pad further includes an arcuate, transverse seal extending substantially from side to side across the pad and opening to face toward the front of the pad. In the method, the pad is gathered into pleats by bringing the sides toward each other until the arcuate seal assumes a substantially straight line and then positioned in its gathered state over the base member.

Abstract: A gel-encapsulating, load-supporting pad construction with an outer sheath provided with extended flanges for attachment purposes is disclosed. The attenuating device further discloses an elastomeric yieldable foam casing between the outer sheath and the encapsulated shock-absorbing or gel member.

Abstract: A seating system for a wheelchair including a base member and fluid pad. The base member has forward and rearward sections respectively supporting the user's thighs and buttocks. The rearward section supporting the user's buttocks includes a depressed, seating well with front and rear upper surfaces. The fluid pad has a front-to-rear, center seal and a transverse seal dividing the pad into four pouches. The transverse seal crosses the center seal substantially closer to the rear of the pad than to the front and substantially midway across the seating well. In use, the pad is positioned on the base member wherein the user's thighs and front of the user's buttocks are supported on the forward pouches which, in turn, are positioned over the forward section of the base member and the front portion of the seating well of the base member. The remaining, rear portion of the user's buttocks is supported on the rear pouches over the rear portion of the base member.

Abstract: A mattress pad primarily intended for use with a standard hospital bed frame to reduce the development of decubitus ulcers or bed sores in patients using the pad. The pad is multi-layered and includes a cover or casing containing interior strata of a plastic film layer atop a fluid bladder layer supported on an underlying layer of foam. The pad is specially designed to reduce lateral and normal pressures and forces on the patient which can lead to the development of such ulcers. The reduction of the lateral shearing forces is accomplished in a number of ways including by oversizing the plastic film layer and fluid bladder layer on the underlying layer of foam and by positioning microbeads between the plastic film layer and fluid bladder layer to dramatically reduce the frictional drag or lateral shearing forces between the layers.

Abstract: A radiolucent spine support frame has independently adjustable supports and other features making the frame easy to use, maintain and transport and embraces a support having a radiolucent base on which are mounted four independently adjustable supports having gel cushions on top of each support to contact the patient's body and support the patient during surgical or medical procedures, especially back surgery or x-ray examination of the spine.

Abstract: This invention provides for a fluid cushion (10) defined by a fluid tight closed housing (22) which is deformable by applied load of a user (12). The fluid cushion (10) includes an upper surface member (24), a lower surface member (26) and an intermediate membrane (64) which divides the interior of the housing (22) into a first fluid medium containing chamber (62) and a second fluid medium containing chamber (60). A tubular mechanism (42) defines through passages (46) which are positionally located for insertion therein of particular bones of the human body. The tubular mechanism (42) has tubular sidewall members (50) which are contoured to provide an apex (52) at a substantially central location between the upper surface member (24) and the lower surface member (26) and allows for maintenance of the fluid mediums (21 and 20) within spaces (48) between openings (32 and 34).

Abstract: A seat cushion is shown, of the type commonly used in conjunction with wheelchairs, but not necessarily limited to wheelchair seating. The seat cushion has a flat rigid base on which a shaped foam section with sides which angle outwardly and upwardly is supported. The foam section has a recessed area defined therein, to accommodate either a viscoelastic foam insert, or preferably a fluid-filled pad which is stuffed or accordion-folded into the recess. A suitable cover of two-way stretch moisture-proof fabric is provided. The fluid-filled pad is sealed peripherally along at least the front edge and both sides. The rear edge may also be permanently sealed, or may be provided with a variable position resealable closure extending across the rear end. At least one seam runs from the front edge to near the rear edge, to divide the pad into at least two and preferably three compartments.